Coping strategies for memory problems in everyday life of people with cognitive impairment and older adults: A systematic review. (31st March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ross, Sabrina D.; Hofbauer, Lena M.; Rodriguez, Francisca S.
• Is Part Of: International journal of geriatric psychiatry. Volume 37:Number 5(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-03-31
• Subjects: cognitive impairment -- coping strategies -- everyday life -- older people; Geriatric psychiatry -- Periodicals; Geriatric Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 618.97689
• DOI: 10.1002/gps.5701
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0885-6230

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: Dealing with memory loss is a major challenge for older people. Coping strategies for memory problems could enable cognitively impaired people to live independently for longer. We conducted a systematic review to summarize evidence on coping strategies for older people and people with cognitive impairment to stabilize everyday life functioning. Methods: We systematically searched the databases PubMed, PsychInfo, Scopus and WebofScience using a well‐defined search string. Studies were included if they were published between January 1990 and February 2021 and written in English, German, Spanish, French, or Swedish language. Two blind researchers independently checked the studies for inclusion and exclusion criteria and evaluated the quality of the studies using Critical Appraisal Skills Programme—checklists. Evidence was summarized in a narrative synthesis. Results: A total of 16 relevant studies with adequate quality were identified. These studies reported on three categories of strategies: external, internal, and behavioral coping strategies. External strategies included reminder systems and integrated features in the environment and were used by people with and without cognitive impairments. Internal strategies such as visualization, verbalization, active remembering, and systematic thinking were reported less often by people with cognitive impairment than those without cognitive impairment. Behavioral strategies such as reducing expectations and acceptance of support was most frequently reported by people with cognitive impairment. Conclusions: The findings of our systematic review show a great number of coping strategies, which seem to depend on cognitive status. Appropriate training tools incorporating these strategies should be developed. Key points: People with and without cognitive impairment report the use of a comparable number of memory strategies, which include internal, external, and behavioral strategies. External memory aids, especially reminder systems like notes, calendars, and lists, are the most commonly reported strategy, irrespective of cognitive status. Internal strategies such as visualization, verbalization, active remembering, and systematic thinking are more frequently reported by people without cognitive impairment than by people with impairment. Behavioral strategies such as reducing expectations, acceptance of support, allowing a surplus in time, and anticipatory and preventive acts are mostly reported by people with cognitive impairment.